Traction cleat for skis



July 5, 1938. HIKEL 2,122,718

TRACTION CLEAT FOR SKIS Filed Feb. 5, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet l m I g.

Inventor By 2mm A iiorneys July 5, 1938..

R. S. HIKEL TRACTION CLEAT FOR SKIS Filed Feb. 5, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A itomcys Patented July 5, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in traction cleats and attaching and retention means therefor applicable to a so-called conventional ski, and the purpose of the invention is to provide a double calk-equipped check and traction device.

to facilitate hill climbing while on skis.

Other objects and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings, wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the views:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a fragmentary portion of a ski with the improved traction l5 cleat or check means associated therewith, the

means being disposed in its usual operating position.

Figure 2 is a view like Figure 1 showing the double-pronged or calk-carrying cleat elevated to a non-traction position.

Figure 3 is a view with the detachable cleat removed showing the anchoring fixture or bracket.

Figure 4 is a plan view of Figure 1.

5 Figure 5 is a plan view of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a detail View of the detachable double-prong or calk unit.

Figure 7 is a section taken on the irregular line 1-1 of Figure 5.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view of a modification depicting a protective shield or cover sometimes used in connection with the invention.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary top plan of a modification in the cleat unit construction. I

Figure 10 is a cross-section on the line IIII0 of Figure 9.

In the drawings the ski is denoted by the numeral II. As a permanent part of this, I provide an adapter or attaching bracket or fixture denoted by the numeral I2. Although this may vary in configuration, it is preferably substantially triangular in form, that is, embodies a triangular plate I3 secured by screws or similar fastenings I4. Adjacent the apex portion, I have found it expedient and practicable to strike out tongues I5 from the plate, and these are bent to form retention elements or hOoks for the adjacent end portion I6 of the flat tensioning spring I1. The opposite end of this spring is riveted or pivoted as 5 at I8 to the central portion of the calk-equipped cleat or check unit I9. It will be observed in this connection that the anchoring or attaching plate I3 is provided with a pair of curled extensions forming what may be conveniently called keeper lock with the slots 2| on the body portion or plate 22 of said check unit I9. The opposite ends of this unit are twisted laterally, as indicated at 23, and then bent into wing-like extensions 24, which function as anti-slipping teeth or calks, as the case may be.

It is evident that this spring-pressed, detachable calk unit I9 is susceptible of swinging from the position shown in Figure 1 to the lifted position shown in Figure 2, at which time the calks are adapted to glide over snow and ice covered surfaces.

The gist of the invention, so far described, is in the provision of an adapter or attaching unit or plate I2 characterized by features to accommodate the bodily attachable and removable cleat unit I9, this having means whereby a hinge connection may be provided and including spring means for maintaining it under constant yieldable stress. Hence, under the action of the spring, the so-called calks are pressed downwardly in relation to the bottom of the ski, whereby they are in position to check retrograde sliding of the ski while the wearer is ascending a steep incline. Due to the hinged spring action, however, it is possible for the calks to rise up and glide over the surface as a forward stroke of the ski is made, whereby to permit the desired safe and reliable climbing action to be assured.

In most instances the simple hinged springpressed arrangement depicted to advantage in Figure 4 will serve satisfactorily. In this connection, however, it might be stated that under certain conditions, it is well to provide a suitable jacket or cover 25 of leather, canvas, or the like, as seen for example in Figure 8. This may be of any appropriate construction and suitably mounted and provided with a snap fastener 26. Its function is to overlie the attaching bracket and hinge and spring means to prevent accumulation of snow and ice so as to allow the calk unit I9 to be slipped off whenever necessary or desired. In accomplishing this removable action, it is evident that the part I9 can be removed while in downward flight or before the take-off. With the spring and claw element I5, the application is simple. For example, by swinging the leaf-like plate 22 up on its hinge connection, the spring I! can slide on through and beyond the hook I5, allowing the slots 2| to be disengaged from the keeper hook 20. Then the spring can be slid back and readily disconnected from the here is in providing a sheath or casing 21 having a flange 28 with slots 29 to engage the hook 20. The calks in this arrangement are independent and the shank portions 30 are slidably maintained in the sheath by way of the slots SI and the connecting screws or bolts 32. The purpose here is to provide adjustable cleats susceptible of being adjusted in relation to varying width skis.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore, a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that mine-r changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired. 1

I claim:

1. A traction cleat for a ski comprising a plate like attaching member secured to the top of the ski, a calk member comprising a flat elongated plate hinged at one edge to an edge of the member for vertical swinging movement and to extend lengthwise across the top of the ski and provided with a pair of tooth like end calks depending therefrom upon opposite sides'of the ski, respectively, said plate being limited as to downward movement by engagement with the top of the ski, and a leaf spring secured at one end to said plate with its other end slidably bearing on top of said member. 7

2. A traction cleat for a ski comprising a plate like attaching member secured to the top of the ski, a calk member comprising a fiat elongated plate hinged at one edge to an edge of the mem- "ber for vertical swinging movement and to extend lengthwise across the top of the ski and provided with a pair of tooth like end calks depending therefrom upon opposite sides of the ski, respectively, a leaf spring secured at one end to said plate withits other end sliding on top of said 

